New vehicles marketed from July 1, 2024 must be equipped with intelligent detectors capable of reading traffic signs.
Is it the useful weapon that will reduce accidents and the number of deaths on the road? From July 1, 2024, any new vehicle sold on European soil must be equipped with information and intelligent speed adaptation (AIV) systems. The measurement comes from a European regulation of 2019.
An onboard camera will be able to “read” road signs or GPS map data and compare it with the vehicle’s speed before warning the driver if they exceed the speed limit. Some devices will simply warn the motorist, others will be able to act on speed, as detailed in the European Road Safety Charter. The choice will be up to the car manufacturers. “The cruise control function (SCF) will automatically cause a gradual deceleration of the vehicle by reducing its power, or by ‘hardening’ the travel of the accelerator pedal”, specifies the government. “At the same time, a visual and audible alert will be triggered.”
Despite everything, the driver will have the last word in remaining in control of his vehicle. “For the moment, the motorist remains in control of his vehicle and can always ‘force’ acceleration,” specifies the government.
The privileged alert system
The main French brands have chosen the system which simply alerts the driver that they are exceeding the authorized speed. This is the case for Renault, which will however offer the more restrictive version on request to its customers who wish it. It has been available since the Scenic E-Tech electric was launched. At Peugeot, it is the simple alert system which was also retained. The lion brand has been equipping its vehicles since the summer of 2002, first the 508, then the new 2008 and the restyled 208.
Many vehicles have been equipped for several years with other systems that can be activated at the driver’s request: cruise control which allows the driver to set the speed at which he wishes to travel, the vehicle then maintains the set speed. Or the speed limiter which allows the vehicle not to exceed a speed previously defined by the motorist.
Reduce road deaths
This intelligent speed adaptation (AIV) system – which will only be fitted to new vehicles – aims to reduce road deaths. In 2023, 3,170 people died on the roads of mainland France, a drop of 3% compared to 2022, according to still provisional results. The final figures will be published at the end of May 2024. In the meantime, Road Safety has launched a new awareness campaign for motorists entitled: “To stay alive, drive like a woman”. 84% of fatal accidents are caused by men. Women are much more cautious while driving.